THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO

You’ve seen the story before, you are familiar with its characters and themes, yet this new adaptation of an enduring French classic feels fresh, is exciting and entertains effortlessly.

Is it really worth it to take yet another stab at a story that has already been committed to celluloid a dozen times? Yes, the team behind this 2024 adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo confidently states, and on the evidence of the film they have produced, who am I to contradict them?

The picture follows all the familiar beats of the classic Alexandre Dumas tale about an innocent sailor Edmond Dantès who is sent to prison by a jealous love rival but returns years later under the guise of the titular character to take revenge on all the people that wronged him. Merely tweaking some minor details, the picture proves that a good story well told goes a long way. So what is it that makes this particular version perhaps the best that has graced the big screen so far?

Firstly, there is the exquisite eye for detail in recreating a post-Napoleonic France, drawing you effortlessly into this world of intrigue and power. Secondly, there is a screenplay that layers on suspense in clever, labyrinthine plots. And thirdly there is the assured direction of Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, which at times feels more like prestige television than epic movie storytelling but is marvellously efficient.

Yet as in most adaptations of this story – and any story, for that matter – it’s the performances that carry the film. Pierre Niney makes for an enigmatic, calculated Edmond Dantès, while the rest of the cast gives ample support without ever showboating, so often the downfall of French literary adaptations.

Bong Joon-ho already said it five years ago, when he was doing the award rounds for Parasite: once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films. The Count of Monte Cristo is one of those films.

release: 2024

director: Matthieu Delaporte, Alexandre de La Patellière

starring: Pierre Niney, Bastien Bouillon, Anaïs Demoustier, Anamaria Vartolomei